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| Ellen Page as Juno |
Ever went to a movie and thought, "Who's the nutcase who thought it was okay to release this shit?"
Well I can guarantee that this will not be the case with Juno. This new quirky comedy is Jason Reitman's second full length film, and I must say it is quite the follow up to his last movie Thank You For Smoking. Written by Diablo Cody, I must say that it was surprising that this newcomer had created such a satirical masterpiece. Ellen Page, the actress whose Oscar-worthy performance captured the true essence of the main character, Juno MacGuff, was possibly the best choice for this role. Her presence was, as cliché as this may sound, truly a sight for sore eyes.
Juno is a teenage girl who tests the sexual waters with her best friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Paulie is less than enthusiastic to be a part of this experiment, but being the loveable best friend, agrees to help Juno. Of course something has to happen, or else that wouldn't make for a good movie, right? But Cody didn't take the over-used path by simply making the main characters fall in love just because they bumped genitilia, because we all know that it does not happen that way in the real world. Instead, Juno got pregnant.
Her first plan, suggested by her female best friend, Leah (Olivia Thirlby), is to get an abortion. At the abortion clinic, however, she encounters a student from her school who is an activist against abortion. This student turned Juno off abortion, and she left the clinic, still with child. It’s a good thing too. Not only would the movie have ended much too quickly, but the clinic itself looked super sketchy. She may have left baby-free but she probably would have left with a couple of diseases too.
Knowing that she was no longer terminating the pregnancy, it was inevitable that she had to tell her father and step mother, Mac and Bren MacGuff (J. K. Simmons and Allison Janney respectively). Usually, when a teenage girl tells her parents that she's pregnant they totally flip their lid. What I appreciate about the movie is that the parents are disappointed, of course, but then they're supportive! This scene clearly lets the viewer’s know that they are in for an original film! They offer light humour, with a side of wise maturity.
Juno, knowing that she could not possibly keep the baby, has decided to give it up for adoption. Her father, Mac, joins her on her visit to the potential adoptive parents. Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner respectively) live in the very definition of the suburbs. Mark is wanna-be Bon Jovi and Vanessa is totally consumed with having a child, adding to the wonderful quirks this movie has to offer.
During the rest of the movie we follow Juno's journey throughout her pregnancy. She makes numerous visits to Mr Loring, who becomes her friend and she realizes she really does love Paulie.
At first glance this movie may seem like it’s filled with drama, drama and more drama. But really, there are comedic scenes like Juno and Leah discussing the pregnancy, Rollo from the convenience store (Rainn Wilson) and the unforgettable hamburger phone!
If you're looking for an original comedy with a stellar actress such as Ms Page, then I not only suggest that you watch Juno, but I thrust it at you
9 hamburger phones out of 10!This is Shirvonne & I Watch Films.
